Purohit seeks special package for Padampur

Baragada: BaragadaLok Sabha member Pradeep Purohit has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to approve a special development package for supporting the economically backward and drought-prone Padampur sub-division, drawing on the Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput (KBK) model.

Purohit asked Sitharaman for development package for six blocks: Paikmal, Padampur, Jharbandh, Sohela, Bijepur, and Gaisilet. He noted the region faces recurring droughts, poor irrigation, water shortages, and low job growth despite high farming potential. To combat summer water crises and reduce rain dependency, Purohit advocated for expanded irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater replenishment.

The memorandum states that the local economy relies heavily on agriculture. Drought-induced crop losses lead to debt and forced migration. To address this, Purohit requested stronger irrigation infrastructure and the promotion of allied activities like horticulture, dairy farming, and fisheries.

To create jobs and boost crop value, the MP proposed building agro-processing units, food industries, MSME clusters, and industrial infrastructure to fix Padampur’s limited industrial base. Given Padampur’s proximity to the Chhattisgarh border, Purohit advocated for enhanced regional connectivity, robust public services, and sustainable economic opportunities to drive balanced growth.